Go to the Glen Arbor Art Association web site to sign up!

To sign up go to "classes", click on "2008 Adult Classes and Workshops", and scroll down to "Capturing and Playing with Digital Images"

Note: You don't need the software I mention here or a laptop computer to take the class. If you are just interested in how these tools can change the way you think about photography, this is a great place to be introduced to this amazing "stuff." Basically I demonstrate some of the more useful tools in these software packages and if there are a few students that have a laptop and software and want to learn more, I will spend some extra time outside regular class time with them.

"THINK DIGITAL" That's the bottom line of what I teach. And it doesn't mean simply learning the digital work-flow, it means that before you even take a shot you're thinking about how you can communicate your thoughts and feelings by using visual elements and the digital palette (camera, computer, software, and printer). Imagine your finished piece in whatever size, shape, style, and dimensionality you want. Chances are there is a digital technology way to make it happen. If what you see through the viewfinder is a fantastic composition except for the telephone pole on the left, you'll have no worries — Photoshop software will take care of it. If the flower is the wrong shade of red — Photoshop again. If a painterly style expresses your feeling about the subject — Corel Painter will help you realize your vision. You have to learn to think/pre-visualize outside the rectangle of your viewfinder. Know your possibilities — a panorama, a montage, multiple exposures, mixed media, a photo quilt, a sculpture coated with digital decals, a piece printed on canvas, a print on translucent back-lit media, or a multi-media presentation.

Example: You're in the woods shooting close-ups of wildflowers when it becomes apparent that a simple close-up won't tell the story you want to tell — you need to add the drama of light filtering through the canopy of trees 30 – 40 feet above you. A single camera frame can't possibly capture all these elements. Imaging software can help solve the issue by letting you combine and blend images. Having pre-visualized a vertical panorama, you capture a series of images that, when assembled, will make your idea a reality. And as you shoot you are already deciding on the surface texture of the paper you will print on — something that will best express the softness of the light.

The "technical stuff" of the digital world has the potential to suck the joy out of the creative process, but it does have to be addressed — you have to know how your camera thinks in order capture what you want, but I try to present this material in a practical and fun way. I won't slog through tutorials or get caught up in details. My goal is to help you use your imagination and pre- visualize the process so it will feel natural to you.

My workshops take a look at Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter software — not extensively, but emphasizing the more useful tools. The process I use is looking at examples of good digital images and slowly work backward to see what was done to make them happen.

What you learn in class is very helpful but if you want to experience the complete process you can join me on a few "shoots" before or after class. I scout a few local sites that have picture potential and schedule a shoot. I typically "hang around" while you capture images — ready to answer any questions.

The workshop is 3 days. Each day has a 3–4 hour classroom session and optional 2–3 hours of shooting in the field.

I am always excited about the energy that happens in a workshop setting. I often learn as much from the students as they learn from me. I believe that some of the best creative thoughts come from individuals that are just beginning to delve into a new medium. They often ask questions that help everyone think outside the box.

Bob

Contact me if you have any questions about the workshop